Main menu

Post navigation

Ready for College? So Much To Do, So Little Time!

Welcome back, it’s the beginning of a great new school year and I hope you got your rest, because we have work to do!

By now, you have already started the new school year off with a bang…shopping tax-free weekend for new school clothes and supplies–check. The first days of school was great, getting to renew relationships and see your friends after the summer break – check. Now you are back in the groove and ready for a successful year of accomplishment–right?

The old adage that you start getting ready to apply for college and financial aid in the middle of your senior year is officially outdated, passé, kaput, in other words…old news. Beginning October 1, 2016 (yes, just a few short weeks from now), you can begin applying for Federal Government financial aid funds. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) program has an entirely new timetable.

For those planning to attend college beginning as early as July 2017, roll up your sleeves and get to work. The rules the Feds have in place are reasonable. They realize that you cannot have your 2016 taxes completed as early as the beginning of the application period so they have rewritten the rules allowing applicants to use 2015 tax year information when applying for financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year, this is very good news. Here is a summary of key dates related to FAFSA grant monies:

If you plan to attend college from:

Submit the FAFSA Application dated

You can submit the FAFSA form during this time period

Use income and tax information from this tax year

July 1, 2017 –

June 30, 2018

2017-2018

October 1, 2016 –

June 30, 2018

2015

July 1, 2018 –

June 30, 2019

2018-2019

October 1, 2017 –

June 30, 2019

2016

Need a Money Mentor to help navigate the financial aid system, check out NextGenVest.com.

In addition to filing for Federal financial aid, you have a few more due dates to plan for and consider; let me spur your memory.

We discussed the FAFSA, but do not forget the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Apply for one or the other, but do not miss your chance to receive financial aid from the US government. You deserve your shot at the American dream and the financial assistance to make your dreams reality.

If you have already taken the SAT® or ACT and you are happy with your scores, you are in great shape. If not, schedule your time to retake those exams now. The in school exams for Dallas ISD will be in the spring of 2017. For more information on entrance test dates and fees, click here .

Last, but not least, one of the most important decisions you will make is where you will attend college. Narrow your list of options and begin working on your college applications. If you need help thinking through how to position your achievements and highlight your best characteristics, ask for help. Your parents may be a good resource, but if not go to your Education is Freedom Advisor who is at your campus every day to help you. You have everything to gain.

There are resources, services and tips all around to help you get through this busy period, so do not let your “To Do” list scare you. Get a simple calendar to hang on your wall as an ever-present reminder; mark out key dates and set aside time to work toward the accomplishment your goals.

This really is the beginning of the rest of your life, invest the time now to ensure your own success!